一般財団法人材料科学技術振興財団　MST Product Lineup

In the structural analysis of organic compounds using NMR, two-dimensional NMR is generally used in addition to one-dimensional NMR (1H-NMR and 13C-NMR) to confirm the correlations between peaks in one-dimensional NMR, allowing for the assignment of peaks and determination of the compound's structure. However, in compounds such as sugars that contain many similar structures, peaks can overlap even in two-dimensional NMR, making analysis difficult. In such cases, three-dimensional NMR is effective. This document presents examples of applying three-dimensional NMR using oligosaccharides as model compounds.

Fluoropolymer materials are chemically stable and possess various properties, making them widely used in industrial machinery, semiconductors, and electronics. LDI-MS (Laser Desorption Ionization Mass Spectrometry) is an analytical method that can ionize fluoropolymers with molecular weights of around several thousand while maintaining their molecular structure, allowing for the determination of the repeating units and molecular weights of fluoropolymers, as well as the estimation of end group compositions and structures. This document presents a case study on the structural analysis of perfluoropolyether (PFPE), which is used as a base oil in lubricants and heat transfer fluids. Measurement method: MALDI-MS Product field: Polymer materials Analysis purpose: Composition evaluation and identification, chemical bonding state evaluation For more details, please download the document or contact us.

Optical fibers have a structure that consists of a core with a high refractive index surrounded by a cladding layer with a low refractive index. Due to the difference in refractive indices, light is totally internally reflected at the boundary and transmitted. Therefore, it is important to analyze the selection of materials, the presence of impurities, adhesion, coating conditions, and contaminants. Optical fibers can be broadly classified into two types: plastic and quartz. This document presents a case study in which the materials of the core and cladding were identified by analyzing the cross-section of plastic optical fibers using TOF-SIMS. Measurement method: TOF-SIMS Product field: Optical fibers, electronic components Analysis purpose: Qualitative evaluation, organic matter evaluation, composition distribution evaluation "For more details, please download the document or contact us."

Resins that excel in chemical resistance and electrical insulation are used as insulators, coatings, and adhesives for various electronic components. FT-IR analysis can investigate the causes of defects such as the degree of curing of resins, making it effective for product development. As an example, we will introduce a case where the degree of curing of epoxy resin was evaluated.

Epoxy resin is widely used in electronic component applications such as printed circuit boards and IC encapsulants due to its excellent mechanical properties, chemical resistance, and electrical insulation. Data measured by TOF-SIMS was obtained regarding the reagents of bisphenols, which are commonly used as raw materials for epoxy resin. By comparing the sample measurement data with standard data at MST, it is possible to investigate the origin of the detected fragment ions and estimate the materials used in the epoxy resin.

For the two-component mixed epoxy resin, we investigated the curing temperature and the glass transition temperature (Tg), which is an indicator of heat resistance, using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). When measuring the resin before curing with DSC, it was confirmed that a rapid exothermic reaction began around 103°C (Figure 1). This was due to the polymerization (curing) of the resin occurring as a result of the temperature increase. Furthermore, after air cooling the cured resin to room temperature, a second DSC measurement was conducted, which confirmed a shift of the baseline towards the endothermic side due to the glass transition of the resin, with Tg being approximately 116°C (Figure 2).

Epoxy resin is excellent in heat resistance, chemical resistance, and insulation properties, and also has high mechanical strength, making it suitable for various applications such as insulation materials for electronic devices, adhesives, paints, and construction materials. However, due to the lack of solvent solubility, the analytical methods for structural determination are limited. This case presents an example of thermal decomposition GC/MS measurement of epoxy resin used as a sealing material for LEDs. The thermal decomposition products reflecting the structures of the main agent and curing agent were obtained, and this resin was estimated to be a bisphenol A/anhydride type epoxy resin.

Two-component epoxy resin cures by mixing the base agent and the hardener. Unlike one-component systems, it has the advantage of curing without the need for heating, making it widely used as adhesives, paints, and resins. In its qualitative analysis, the cured resin, which is insoluble in solvents, can primarily be evaluated for the base agent using thermal decomposition GC/MS. On the other hand, for the evaluation of the hardener, it may be necessary to measure it in its pre-cured state depending on the type. This document presents a case where a polymercaptan hardener was measured in its pre-cured solution state, and structural estimation was conducted using a combination of ionization methods (EI and FI methods).

Epoxy resin is used as a semiconductor encapsulant, as well as an adhesive and for vacuum leak prevention both inside and outside vacuum devices. However, even after curing, heating may cause outgassing, which can negatively affect products and equipment. TDS (Thermal Desorption Gas Analysis) allows for monitoring outgassing components by heating the sample in high vacuum (1E-7 Pa) or while maintaining a constant temperature. Below, we present a case study investigating the outgassing behavior of epoxy resin using TDS with temperature maintenance.

MOFs (Metal-Organic Frameworks) are attracting attention as nano-porous materials with potential applications in separation processes, catalysis, and gas storage. The combinations of MOF topology, linkers, and metal nodes are vast, and the types of synthesizable MOFs are virtually limitless. Therefore, prior screening and understanding of the structure, function, and properties are crucial for the development of new MOF materials. In this case study, we predicted the CO2 adsorption amounts for various MOFs using the GCMC (Grand Canonical Monte Carlo) method and examined the factors affecting the adsorption characteristics.

TOF-SIMS has good depth resolution and can obtain fragment ions corresponding to bonding states, allowing for the evaluation of layer structures near the surface, within a few nanometers. This document presents a case study analyzing the layer structure of a tin plate surface based on the information obtained from the measurement of standard samples of tin oxide and hydrated tin oxide. By applying this technology, it is possible to evaluate modified layers and altered layers due to surface treatment.

Cellulose nanofiber (CNF) is a fiber material that has been refined to the nanoscale from plant fibers primarily composed of cellulose. Due to its lightweight, high strength, and low environmental impact, it is utilized in product development across various fields. The properties of CNF can change significantly depending on its orientation, making the evaluation of orientation important. This document presents a case study where nano-CT was used to observe CNF with a short diameter of over 100 nm, which could not be captured by conventional micro-CT. Based on the data obtained from nano-CT measurements, structural analysis of CNF and evaluation of its orientation are possible.

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■What is Supercritical Fluid? A supercritical fluid is a state that exists under conditions of temperature and pressure above the critical point, possessing properties that are intermediate between those of a liquid and a gas (see Figure 1). Supercritical CO2 can be used as a mobile phase in chromatography due to its ease of handling at conditions (7.4 MPa, 31°C). ■Extraction Using Supercritical CO2 In the SFC/MS setup, SFE (Supercritical Fluid Extraction) is connected in the preceding stage, and extraction of components contained in the sample is performed using supercritical CO2. Since the extraction, separation, and detection can be carried out automatically, it is effective for the analysis of components that are sensitive to light, water, and oxygen.

The OBF STEM method is a technique that reconstructs a single STEM image by applying a weighted frequency filter to multiple STEM images obtained from each segment of a segmented STEM detector, appropriately emphasizing different spatial frequency components for each segment. It is characterized by its ability to efficiently utilize the detection signal, allowing for the visualization of structures with low noise and high contrast even under conditions of low electron beam exposure.

■ A consistent system that accompanies you until resolution and diverse analytical approaches We provide consistent support from hearing about the issues to reporting, collaboratively leading to optimal solutions through dialogue. With over 100 types of analytical methods and AI analysis, we cover challenges across all domains, responding to the trust that "MST is reliable" with flexible responses and proven results. ■ Abundant technical skills and experience We cater to a wide range of needs, from advanced analysis in existing fields like semiconductors to custom analysis in new areas. We have achievements in unique technologies such as the first domestic commercialization of FIB-TEM and SSDP-SIMS. ■ Fairness and reliability Since 1984, during the era when semiconductors took the world by storm, we have walked alongside the forefront of manufacturing. We maintain a fair and neutral stance, building solid trust through quality management based on ISO 9001. ■ Optimal problem-solving through AI analysis We propose solutions tailored to objectives and challenges through equipment analysis, AI analysis, and simulation. By maximizing the use of customer-owned data and designing and constructing custom AI models, we aim to generate results that meet specific needs. For inquiries regarding analysis and consultation, please feel free to contact us.